American beech Fagus grandifolia
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fagaceae family, native to Eastern North America. It grows 15–25 m (49–82 ft) tall and 12–20 m (39–66 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -37 °C (-35 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
Plan American beech in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
American beech at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -37 °C (-35 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: beechnuts |
| Native to | Eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is American beech toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: nuts (raw, in quantity)
Raw beechnuts contain fagin: stomach upset if many are eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with American beech
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See American beech in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (1 plants)
Questions about American beech
- How far apart should I plant American beech?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 12–20 m (39–66 ft).
- Does American beech need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does American beech need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is American beech?
- It tolerates about -37 °C (-35 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- Is American beech poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Raw beechnuts contain fagin: stomach upset if many are eaten.
- What grows well with American beech?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for American beech. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Thain Family Forest and native plant collections, New York Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Smooth silver-grey bark; young trees keep papery tan leaves all winter (marcescence). Threatened by beech leaf disease.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
- English oak Quercus robur
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- European beech Fagus sylvatica
- Holm oak Quercus ilex
- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
- Cork oak Quercus suber
- Northern red oak Quercus rubra